Update

I'm thrilled to share that on Sunday afternoon I crossed the finish line of the 2024 Ride Across Britain in John O'Groats - nine days, 980 miles, and countless memories after setting off from Land's End. What an unforgettable journey!

Yes, the landscapes were stunning - watching the countryside change as I pedalled through sun, rain and even hailstorms - but what will stay with me forever is the sense of connection. The warmth and support I felt from my fellow riders, and the constant encouragement from my family, friends and colleagues - it was this unwavering belief that carried me through the hardest days. I had moments of doubt, where exhaustion and pain nearly got the best of me, but your kindnesses kept me going.

Each day brought new challenges - some days it was the unforgiving weather, others it was the relentless climbs or the sheer mental and physical toll. But knowing that donations were coming in, knowing that we were all part of something bigger than just this ride, pushed me forward. I'm beyond proud to say, thanks to your generosity, I've raised over £4,200 for Cancer Research UK, contributing to an extraordinary £1.2 million raised for various charities through this event.

A massive thank you to everyone who supported me - whether through donations, words of encouragement, or just being there for me when I needed it most. And to my family - their love and strength carried me through the darkest moments. I simply couldn't have done this without them.

As for the next challenge...well, my knees might need a little more time to recover before I even think about getting back on the bike, but I know whatever comes next, I won't be doing it alone.

x

Original

It’s a sad fact that many of us will have been impacted by cancer. When my mum was diagnosed a little over 3 years ago, I felt powerless – being an enthusiastic ‘problem solver’ I suddenly realised there was little I could personally do to make things better.  What became clear over the following months though, was just how much my mum was to benefit from advances in medical treatments and the research being undertaken every day to secure better outcomes.As a family, we’re extremely grateful that the treatments made available have continued to ensure my mum lives life to the fullest. She truly stands on the shoulder of giants – the consultants, nurses, researchers and clinical trialists who together strive to improve early detection, diagnosis, prevention and cure. 

Fast forward to 2024 and cancer continues to touch my nearest and dearest family. The day I learnt of my sister-in-law’s diagnosis, I opened my laptop and immediately searched for a fundraising challenge to truly test my metal – something worthy of raising a significant amount of funds for Cancer Research UK – to support in some small way those fighting the good fight, and to commemorate those who we have lost all too soon.

Ride Across Britain 2024 is just such an event – an epic 9 days and 980 mile cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats - and with your support and motivation, I hope to keep the pedals spinning, covering on average 108 miles each day with 52,500ft in climbing. 

Please donate if you can – every little will make a huge difference to Cancer Research UK’s ongoing development programs, and will certainly keep me motivated when the going gets tough. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted throughout my training and as the ride itself unfolds. 

Thanks for reading – and together, we can do this! 

For Mum, Allison, Rob, Jimmy, Isobel, Jim, Jessie, Diane, Sybil and Alastair